Chinese e-tailer Alibaba had hoped to release a smartphone with Acer, running the controversial Android-fuelled Aliyun OS - controversial because it supports pirated Android apps.
However, there was a bit of a fracas last week when Open Handset Alliance (OHA) member Acer withdrew its support for the Aliyun-based CloudMobile A800 at the eleventh hour, but Google denies any strong-arming. Indeed, Andy Rubin has been quite outspoken about the whole fiasco.
For starters, we’ve got a meaty Google+ post from Andy. What do the cool kids call Google+ posts? Googs?
Andy Googs: “Hey John Spelich -- We agree that the Aliyun OS is not part of the Android ecosystem and you're under no requirement to be compatible.
“However, the fact is, Aliyun uses the Android runtime, framework and tools. And your app store contains Android apps (including pirated Google apps). So there's really no disputing that Aliyun is based on the Android platform and takes advantage of all the hard work that's gone into that platform by the OHA.
“So if you want to benefit from the Android ecosystem, then make the choice to be compatible. Its easy, free, and we'll even help you out. But if you don't want to be compatible, then don't expect help from OHA members that are all working to support and build a unified Android ecosystem.”
Yikes. Take that, Alibaba. Andy also took to the official Android blog with a massive post titled The Benefits & Importance of Compatibility. In said post, Andy talks about the OHA’s “virtuous cycle”. Check it out. It’s an interesting wee read.
